The AFL has announced that the Sydney Swans will go head-to-head with Collingwood in a thrilling Friday night match at the 2025 Gather Round. Set to take place at the iconic Adelaide Oval, this matchup will be the highlight of the opening round of the festival, which runs from April 10 to April 13. The entire AFL community will converge in Adelaide for a packed schedule of footy action, with 18 teams playing across nine matches.
The 2025 Gather Round marks the return of the AFL’s “Festival of Footy” to South Australia for a third consecutive year. This unique event brings together the league’s top teams, with every game being contested for premiership points. Among the exciting matchups, two games will take place in the Barossa Valley, showcasing the region’s famous food and wine culture. For Swans fans, there’s also an exclusive opportunity to attend the Sydney Swans Gather Round Breakfast on Friday morning, where key figures including Sydney Swans Chairman Andrew Pridham and AFL CEO Andrew Dillon will discuss the event and future of the game.
As part of the larger celebration, fans will be treated to an impressive array of activities, including a Footy Festival at Elder Park, community events, and open training sessions from the competing clubs. Adelaide’s vibrant atmosphere and its array of exciting locations make it a must-visit for any footy fan. The Gather Round is expected to elevate the AFL experience, offering both a competitive sporting environment and a chance to explore South Australia’s rich culture and heritage.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas expressed his excitement about the event’s continued success, emphasizing the economic and community benefits it brings to the state. He highlighted the addition of two games at the picturesque Barossa Park in Lyndoch as a key feature of the 2025 event. Malinauskas also praised the collaboration with local councils and businesses to create a long-lasting impact on the region. The festival will include fierce competition across various Adelaide venues, such as Norwood Oval, where fans can enjoy both football and the Norwood Food & Wine Festival.
The AFL’s commitment to expanding the Gather Round experience is clear. With more matches, new locations, and plenty of off-field activities, the 2025 festival promises to be bigger and better than ever before. For Swans fans, this Friday night clash against Collingwood is just the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable weekend in Adelaide. With ticketing on sale soon and travel arrangements already in place, it’s time to plan your trip to what is shaping up to be the footy event of the year.